Podcasts about god christians

Hebrews 4:14-16 — In this sermon on Hebrews 4:14–16 titled “Assurance: To the Uncertain and to the Discouraged,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones discusses the theme of the preeminence of God, the importance of doctrine, and two crucial prescriptions for the Christian. Christians are unhappy because they are not as certain about their salvation as they ought to be. People like psychology with a little biblical terminology, and feeling like they are good people. The gospel is not merely for comfort. Two things are deemed to be inseparable prescriptions for the Christian. First, hold fast to the confession of the faith. Second, come boldly before the throne. Orthodoxy is not enough. Vague feelings and prayer are not enough. Learn the fallacy of the common phrase: “Christianity is caught not taught.” The Christian is an intellectual who knows who he believes, what he believes, and why he believes it. Hear about the confessions and catechisms created by people of God—Christians need a defined faith on which to hold fast. What is the Christian faith about? Christianity is not just positive thinking and comfort. Look at the person and work of Christ—the resurrection, Christ as representative, High Priest, Son of God, and Son of Man. Christ can sympathize with His people. The throne of justice is also the throne of grace and must be approached with reverence.

Hebrews 4:14-16 — In this sermon on Hebrews 4:14–16 titled “Assurance: To the Uncertain and to the Discouraged,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones discusses the theme of the preeminence of God, the importance of doctrine, and two crucial prescriptions for the Christian. Christians are unhappy because they are not as certain about their salvation as they ought to be. People like psychology with a little biblical terminology, and feeling like they are good people. The gospel is not merely for comfort. Two things are deemed to be inseparable prescriptions for the Christian. First, hold fast to the confession of the faith. Second, come boldly before the throne. Orthodoxy is not enough. Vague feelings and prayer are not enough. Learn the fallacy of the common phrase: “Christianity is caught not taught.” The Christian is an intellectual who knows who he believes, what he believes, and why he believes it. Hear about the confessions and catechisms created by people of God—Christians need a defined faith on which to hold fast. What is the Christian faith about? Christianity is not just positive thinking and comfort. Look at the person and work of Christ—the resurrection, Christ as representative, High Priest, Son of God, and Son of Man. Christ can sympathize with His people. The throne of justice is also the throne of grace and must be approached with reverence. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29

Did you know some sources say that 85% of people actually hate their job? I found that mind-blowing, but the more conversations I have with people, it seems like the majority of people do not like their job. Peter is addressing how believers are to conduct themselves in their job. Today’s passage addresses that Christians...

Sinners in the hands of a Gracious God Jonathan Edwards: Sinners in the Hands of an angry God - totally appropriate, those who do not receive Christ will come under the judgment of an angry God Christians are sinners in the hands of a gracious God, who removed our guilt and condemnation but Jesus went…

It has been said that all of us are theologians. We all have a picture of God in our heads. But is your picture of God correct? Keep listening to find out. Hi, my name is Terence and I'm your host for Reading and Readers, a podcast where I review Christian books for you. Today I review “Portrait of God: Rediscovering the Attributes of God through the Stories of His People” by Jack Mooring. 224 pages, published by David C. Cook Publishing in August 2024. Available in Amazon Kindle for USD9.99 and in Logos for USD10.79. I received a free review copy but the publisher has no input to my review. ## Systematic Theology Through BiographyToday's book promises to explain the Attributes of God through the lives of Christians. But wait, someone says, “If you really want to know the Attributes of God, you should get a good book on Systematic Theology. The bigger the better.” So grunts the theological egghead. Nope. If the size doesn't scare people off, the title “Systematic Theology” would. Then someone says, “Just get J.I. Packer's ‘Knowing God'.” That's a great book. A classic. But today's book gives us a different way to know God's attributes and that is through stories. Bible stories have helped children know God. Much of the Bible consists of stories of God and His People. So we could say that today's book is not inventing a new approach but rather adapts the biblical way of knowing God: through the stories of him interacting with his people. ## Art Class with a Divine SubjectIn this book, Jack Mooring wants us to paint a portrait of God. If this sounds a bit artsy-fartsy to you, maybe it's because Mooring was an artist. More, accurately, a musician. If his name sounds familiar, it's because he is the former band member with the Grammy Award-nominated group Leeland. Mooring is also the founding pastor of a church, Celebration of Life Church in Nashville. So he is not the typical professional theologian who writes a book on the attributes of God. He is just a passionate Christian who wants everyone to know God. And he takes hold of artistic license to separate himself from the professional theologians. We will do a portrait of God. Using the lives of God's people as the brushstrokes. ## A Brushstroke of JoyConsider this: Whose life do you think best reveals God's joy? Think of all the great men and women who have served God through the ages. Who would best demonstrate the joy of the Lord? Mooring chooses C.S. Lewis. The chapter starts with Lewis as a young man arriving at Oxford University. But then, the Great War happened. I quote:> The war was a brief but horrific interlude in his life. He saw unbearable things. His closest friend in his company was killed. While raised in a Christian home in Ireland, he'd been brought up on the teachings of the church, but early on he had decided God couldn't be real. His mother had died when he was only nine years old. He remembered praying that God would save her life, but his desperate request seemed to have fallen on deaf ears.>> His childhood angst at God had turned into full-blown atheism as a young man. And if his journey away from God needed any more help, his traumatic experiences in the war had seared his mind. Later, Mooring writes:> There were cracks in Lewis's armor. For all his resistance against God, he had a weak spot for joy. Deep joy. The joy that aches in your belly when you see something truly beautiful. You reach for it but can't grasp it. You try to recreate the same feeling the next day, only to find it missing. This haunted Lewis.>> He began to do what he always did to find answers: He read books and talked deeply with his friends. Famously, one of his friends was J.R.R. Tolkien. Tolkien and others encouraged Lewis in his search for answers. I quote:> Lewis raised a challenge to his friends: “What separates Christianity from any other myth? After all, there are other stories about a god ‘saving' his people.”>> His friends responded with an idea that changed his life. “Yes, Christianity is a myth,” they said. “But it is the only true myth.”>> Suddenly, he realized that the Norse mythology he loved was never the real source of the joy he felt. It was God. Every good and beautiful myth was simply pointing to the one true “myth”. The chapter interleaves episodes of Lewis' life with Mooring's own comments and reflections. A YouTube video about a ten-million-dollar mountain chalet sends Mooring through a whirlwind of emotions from curiosity, awe, desire and lust, to disappointment, jealousy, embarrassment and resignation. Everybody who has watched an influencer boasting of cars, food or travel knows what Mooring felt. Mooring shows us YouTube-addicts that our desire is a reminder that God is our true desire. Just like C.S. Lewis, we are searching for the real source of joy: God. And that's how every chapter goes. He shares a story then a reflection to bridge the story to you, the reader today. On top of that, every chapter in the book ends with “Final Brushstrokes”. Let me quote: > C.S. Lewis's life teaches us that the greatest joys in life are simply signposts pointing us to the ultimate joy that is God. And that when we find Him, we find peace even in deep pain and suffering.>  > So our portrait of God gets another color: the vibrant hues of joy! We learn that God is not on a mission to stop people from having fun. Actually, the fun begins with Him. We think that worldly pleasures will fulfill us, but they let us down every time. God Himself is the author of everything good, true, and beautiful! And when we find Him, we can truly enjoy the world He made and find an unfading joy that comes from His nature. I repeat, “the story of C.S. Lewis gives our portrait of God another colour, the vibrant hues of joy.” And so every story in this book gives another brushstroke, giving us a better, more complete look of God each time. Or does it? The thing about brushstrokes is that it can either reveal or distort the subject it portrays. ## God Still Heals TodayChapter 5 is titled, “The Healer” -- God of Power. It is the story of Kathryn Kuhlman. I quote:> I chose the story of Kathryn Kuhlman because her life is an irrefutable example that God heals today. He can even work through people who, like her, were imperfect and in need of God's grace. Because those are, in fact, the only people He can use. And Mooring needs an irrefutable example because some people do refute it. Those pesky cessationist who believe the spiritual gifts have ceased. Mooring writes:> I believe this [cessationism] is one of the most damaging ideas the church has ever adopted. It has caused so many to miss out on one of the things Jesus died to give them.> I don't have the space in this chapter to make a complete argument refuting cessationism. I point to you to Jack Deere's superb book Surprised by the Power of the Spirit. He is right. He doesn't have the space to make that argument but he goes for it anyways. Let me summarise the three problems I see with this chapter. ### Healing and Gift of Healing Are DifferentFirst, Mooring assumes that cessationists do not believe God heals today. In the conclusion to the chapter, he writes:> People like Kathryn Kuhlman showed the world that God is still active in healing the sick. There is a problem here because cessationists also believe God is still active in healing the sick. John MacArthur, the poster child for cessationists, writes in his book Strange Fire:> While the Lord still answers prayer and works in providential ways to heal people according to his will, there is no evidence that miraculous healings are occurring today as they did during the apostolic age. Mooring should have written, “People like Kathryn Kuhlman showed the world that God is still active in *giving individuals healing power today*.” When Mooring conflates “God heals today” with “God gives individuals healing power today”, as if one means the same as the other, it causes misunderstandings. Readers walk away thinking, "Those Reformed fellows don't believe God heals! And they call themselves Bible believing Christians?" Now that I have clarified the cessationist position, does Mooring's point on healing still stand? The purpose of the chapter is to highlight the Power of God. I ask: "Is the Power of God only demonstrated through healing rallies?" No. Would the Power of God also be demonstrated if I prayed for someone, and that someone got healed? Yes. Should the church teach Christians that God heals today? Yes.That is what Mooring is getting at. But he could have made that point more powerfully, getting more agreement if he told the readers about God's power through healing instead of God's power in giving some individuals the power of healing. ### Character of the Healer and the Healed.My second criticism: Mooring makes a big push for healing but over-promises the impact. He writes:> Praying for the sick is an act of divine love, and love never fails! So no matter what happens, the compassionate act of believing for someone's healing is itself a success.> What if we lived this way? Thought this way? A dying world would be shocked back to a God reality that has been gone for decades. We would see millions saved! Millions coming into direct contact with the God who loves them and sent His only Son for them! Would we really see millions saved? Jesus healed ten lepers, only one came back to give thanks to Jesus. In Matthew 11:21, Jesus says, "“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes." In Matthew 12:39, Jesus answered those seeking a sign from him, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah." So if Jesus Christ, the Son of God, had a 'bad' conversion rate from healing, I'm not confident that all those who were healed by Kathryn Kuhlman and her fellow healers came to saving faith. You say, "Even if it's 10%, that's still a good reason to promote healing rallies." But Jesus rejected those who called for signs. Isn't that a clear sign for us on the place of miracles today? Consider this: when Paul wrote his final letter to Timothy, he charged Timothy to do many miracles, teach other faithful men how to receive the gifts and how to promote these gifts so that people will come to Jesus through healing and miracles. No, Paul did not. This is what Paul wrote. 2 Timothy 2:2.> and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. Keeping the main thing the main thing is to keep the Gospel central. In the climax of the letter. 2 Timothy 4:1-2.> I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: Preach the Word... From my criticisms on this chapter, you would think that I am a cessationist. Actually I am not. From my own study, I don't see a biblical reason to conclude that the gifts have ceased. I have no problems with the spiritual gifts being in operation today. So I am sympathetic to his position. I just disagree with how he frames it, which brings me to my last point on this chapter. ### Bill Johnson and Not Sam StormsMy third criticism: Mooring lost me at Bill Johnson. He would have had me if he said Sam Storm. I have read Bill Johnson's “When Heaven Invades Earth” and am familiar with the practices of his church, Bethel Redding. I compared Johnson's own words and his church's practice against Scripture, and I conclude that  Bill Johnson distorts Scripture to fit his theology and practice. So when I read a quote from Bill Johnson, all the alarm bells in my head just rang out. Mooring might protest and say that in the whole book, he just makes one mention of Bill Johnson. It's just a side remark, a throwaway quote, and it shouldn't put the whole chapter into doubt. Well, if he is frustrated so am I. I share many of his positions and outlook on healing and gifts of healing. He could have elevated his argument by quoting Sam Storm. Or Craig Keener. But not Bill Johnson. I don't like it when someone twists Scripture for their own ends. ## Other BrushstrokesLet's step out of this healing chapter and consider the rest of the book. So far, we have a story of C.S. Lewis and Kathryn Kuhlman. Their lives are brushstrokes that describe God's joy and power. There are others: Augustine, William and Catherine Booth, Thomas Chalmers, Fanny Crosby and Athanasius that in their lives describe God's holiness, compassion, good news, faithfulness and truth. The last two chapters of the book bring out the story of you. Who are you? How do you relate to God? In his conclusion, Mooring writes that we are:> to use our gifts to ‘paint God' for a world that is desperate to know what He is really like. ## Overall ThoughtsAnd yes, the world is desperate to know what God is really like. Does this book tell us? The book aims to tell us the attributes of God through the stories of his people. In that sense, it is a success. Mooring has picked, for the most part, individuals that Christians would agree are exemplary. And in whose lives we can see a portrait of God. But after finishing this book, it has also made me realise the big flaw in using other believers' stories to know God. Let's imagine an evil version of Jack Mooring, who also wants to tell the attributes of God through God's people. But instead of choosing a blind hymnwriter, he picks a pastor convicted for sexual assault. He picks murderous crusaders, child molesters, embezzlers, a villains gallery of self-professing Christians. Then this evil version of Jack Mooring concludes the book to say, “These are Christians, and so God.” Christians will rightly argue that those crooks pervert the true portrait of God. As God himself has put it, “My name is blasphemed among the nations because of evil doers.” When we pick individuals that best fits our idea of God, our choice reveals more about what we think God is like and not necessarily how God is really like. We could have a situation where we are supposed to have a painting of the Mona Lisa but instead get a Lisa Simpson. “Does that mean reading biographies of Christian men and women is a useless enterprise?” No! The reading principle behind that is Paul's call, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” We follow Paul knowing that he is the imperfect following the perfect. So we read the biographies to know imperfect creatures. But when it comes to knowing the Perfect Creator, the attributes of God, we risk adopting the principle behind Philip's request, “Jesus, show us the Father,” which Jesus replied, “When you see me, you see the Father.” This is something that only Jesus can say. When you see me, Terence, you don't see the Father. You think that's obvious? It should be. But if it was then why do so many people lose faith in God when the people they admire fall from grace. I don't want you to misunderstand me. I am not knocking on Jack Mooring's book. I just want to point out how reading Mooring's book reminded me again how wonderful is our Bible. We can actually know God because the Perfect has revealed himself to us. To know the attributes of God, to know God, absent the Bible is a speculative and confusing mess. But with the Bible, we can know God and know how well his people reflect who he is. ## Would I recommend it?Would I recommend this book? For Christians who like Bill Johnson and the type of Christianity he represents, they would not give someone like me a chance to question their beliefs. For them I would definitely recommend this book. Mooring's chapter on Kathryn Kuhlman will affirm everything they believe in. They will consider Mooring as  "one of us.” Then two chapters later, they will read Fanny Crosby, the blind hymnwriter, and read:> It is far easier to say that God doesn't heal anymore. It is also easy to say the opposite, that God always heals and that something is wrong with you if you are still sick. The truth is that both statements are wrong.>> God does still heal, and we should actively pursue His healing. But God also sits with us in our suffering and promises to be our reward, even when it seems like our prayers are not being answered. If you are a Christian who does not know Bill Johnson and the type of Christianity he represents, I would still be happy to recommend you this book. It is a light and easy way to learn about the attributes of God and introduce you to good books down the road. But I would warn you. I would tell you the three points I have against chapter 5. ## ConclusionSo in conclusion, does the book give us a portrait of God through the stories of his people? Yes. It is a portrait of God from a selected palette of colours that reveals Jack Mooring's concept of God, which would be recognisable as the God Christians worship. I think that when it comes to the details, for certain brushstrokes, some correction is needed. But that's art. And we all have an imperfect portrait of God in our heads. The important thing is as we study the Bible, we trust that God will reveal more of who he is. And just as looking at beautiful portraits inspire artists to paint better, so pondering at the portrait of God Mooring has given us inspires us to know God better and to live better for him. This is a Reading and Readers review of “Portrait of God” by Jack Mooring. 224 pages, published by David C. Cook Publishing in August 2024. Available in Amazon Kindle for USD9.99 and in Logos for USD10.79. I received a free review copy but the publisher has no input to my review. Thank you and bye bye. ## Book List* Portrait of God by Jack Mooring. [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Portrait-God-Rediscovering-Attributes-through/dp/0830786031). [Logos](https://www.logos.com/product/300988/portrait-of-god-rediscovering-the-attributes-of-god-through-the-stories-of-his-people).

The Christian And Yoga, Should You Practice It? Introduction: If it offends my brother, I will not eat meat. All things are legal, but not all are expedient. To the Pure all things are pure. Thou shalt not have the names of other gods on thy lips. Yoga, Yay or Nay? Let's breathe in, look deep within ourselves, and the cry out to God of God, why did I look into that wicked heart.. As we stray Further Every Day. To yoga or not to yoga? To Yoga camp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkrlGJfMIyk An Argument not to yoga: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjjbev4zWms 0:00-3:05 Theology: What did God say about the practices of other religions' rituals? Deuteronomy 12:29-32 "When the LORD your God cuts off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you displace them and dwell in their land, take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, "How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise." You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way; for every abomination to the LORD which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods. "Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it. Jeremiah 10:3-5 For the customs of the peoples are futile; For one cuts a tree from the forest, The work of the hands of the workman, with the ax. They decorate it with silver and gold; They fasten it with nails and hammers So that it will not topple. They are upright, like a palm tree, And they cannot speak; They must be carried, Because they cannot go by themselves. Do not be afraid of them, For they cannot do evil, Nor can they do any good.” 1 Kings 11:1-5 But King Solomon loved many foreign women, as well as the daughter of Pharaoh: women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites— from the nations of whom the LORD had said to the children of Israel, "You shall not intermarry with them, nor they with you. Surely they will turn away your hearts after their gods." Solomon clung to these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart. Ezekiel 8:13-17 And He said to me, "Turn again, and you will see greater abominations that they are doing." So He brought me to the door of the north gate of the LORD's house; and to my dismay, women were sitting there weeping for Tammuz. Then He said to me, "Have you seen this, O son of man? Turn again, you will see greater abominations than these." So He brought me into the inner court of the LORD's house; and there, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, were about twenty-five men with their backs toward the temple of the LORD and their faces toward the east, and they were worshiping the sun toward the east. And He said to me, "Have you seen this, O son of man? Is it a trivial thing to the house of Judah to commit the abominations which they commit here? For they have filled the land with violence; then they have returned to provoke Me to anger. Indeed they put the branch to their nose. Philosophy: If the original intention of yoga was to invite the spirits into one's body, what are the ramifications of repurposing yoga for exercise and stretches? What did Christ say about an empty home? Culture: When people of the Hindu Faith see the Christian doing yoga, what assumptions are possibly made? How should the Christian navigate this? Politics: Yoga is now being taught in schools:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY11gpWmRZw How should the Christian navigate the presence of yoga in school? Economics: Yoga DOES have physical benefits. How should we navigate the value of Yoga vs exercise and stretching? What has the economy around mindfulness become? From Insider: “The business of mindfulness is fast becoming a pillar of the $4.5T wellness industry. The US meditation industry is now worth $1B. By 2027, the global alternative healthcare industry—including meditation, acupuncture, breathing exercises, yoga and tai chi, and chiropractic services—will be worth $296.3B.” https://insider.fitt.co/meditation-mindfulness-startups/ Final Thoughts: Last Question: Favorite Car

Basic Bible Study | Nahum, Habakkuk & Zephaniah (Part 3) This is part 3 of 5 In today's podcast, join Chris and Robyn as they continue their discussion in Nahum, Habakkuk & Zephaniah. Here is a breakdown of what was discussed: - wait patiently, we must trust God - Christians must trust that God is directing all things according to His purposes - Chris & Robyn talk about idols - God disciplines in love “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ABOUT Opening a Bible for the first time can be intimidating. Join Amy & Robyn in an easy-to-follow discussion. This Basic Bible Study is perfect for beginners & those who have never read the Bible. Look for new podcasts every Tuesday & Friday! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BIBLE RESOURCES https://biblehub.com/ https://www.bible.com/ http://betterdaysarecoming.com/bible/pronunciation.html https://biblespeak.org/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/mybasicbiblestudy WEBSITE http://www.mybasicbiblestudy.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ You can contact us through e-mail or regular old snail-mail: Basic Bible Study 7797 N. 1st St. #34 Fresno, CA 93720 basicbiblestudy19@gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:14 The contrast, in this section of 1 Corinthians, has been between human wisdom and divine wisdom … and between people of God and people of the world.  It is the contrast between these two groups of people which is in view in verses 14,15.  People of God (Christians) are called 'the spiritual person' in verse 15 … and people of the world (unbelievers) are called 'the natural person' in verse 14.  The Scripture teaches that the natural human heart is corrupted to the point that it does not seek God (Rom 3:11) and does not fear God (Rom 3:18) and does not submit to God's law (Rom 8:7). But beyond the notion that unbelievers do not obey God, the Scripture teaches that, apart from the life-giving work of God's Spirit, unbelievers cannotsubmit to God.  1 Corinthians 2:14 moves from does not ("The natural person does not accept the things of God") to cannot ("and he is not able to understand them"). The problem is a moral problem.  Christ offers Himself to all for eternal life.  But, the corruption of the human heart is so thorough that no one wantsthis life in Christ.  "The nature of man since the fall is so corrupt and depraved that even when Christ is made known and preached to him, he will not come to Him and believe in Him without the special grace of God inclining his will and giving him a disposition to come.  Moral (per)suasion and advice alone will not bring him.  He must be 'drawn'" (J. C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John, 1:271). It should fill us with thanksgiving to grasp that everything we have, including our coming to Jesus, is a gift from God.   How thankful we should be for sovereign grace.

For Christians, there's no getting around it complaining keeps us away from Love , we are subject to attacks from the enemy, thanking and praising God for all things flexes our spiritual muscles. We are going through stuff any way so why not fanatically praise God for it? Can you find a loop hole in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 ? The Passion Translation. “16 Let joy be your continual feast. 17 Make your life a prayer. 18 And in the midst of everything be always given thanks, for this is God's perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Never restrain or put out the fire of the Holy Spirit. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fernando-m-de-oca/support

What does it mean to fear God? Important truths lie in this uncomfortable question. In this episode of the Jaime Luce Podcast, we have a heart-to-heart on why it's important to fear God and how it helps us understand our salvation as Christians. We explore scriptures that offer insight into why we need to fear Him in reverence to live a life full of peace and blessings.  In this episode, you'll hear:  Biblical examples of what it means to fear the LordHow to position ourselves toward GodWhy do we fear the Father in reverenceHow to fear God and not our circumstances  About the host: Jaime Luce' testimony has daunting personal mountains and treacherous financial valleys. She was trapped in day-to-day stress and couldn't see a way forward. But how she started is not how she finished! And she wants you to know God has a plan for your life too, no matter how tough it seems. Today, Jaime has been married to the love of her life for almost three decades, owns two companies, and has become an author and podcaster. God's way is always the blessed way! Free chapter of Jaime's new book: You Don't Need Money, You Just Need God: https://jaimeluce.com/book/  Support the Jaime Luce Podcast: When you sign up for the Free Charisma Plus App, you help support this show. Get your subscription at: https://bit.ly/CharismaAppJaimeAre you looking for Spirit-filled articles, teachings, insights, prophetic words, and the tools to gain intimate knowledge of the Holy Spirit? Charisma magazine empowers believers to live life in the Spirit. Each issue of Charisma Magazine contains articles, teachings, and insights to gain a more intimate knowledge of the Holy Spirit.  https://bit.ly/CharismaSubJaimeTo purchase the Spiritual Warfare Bible. https://bit.ly/CharismaBibleJaime

By Jay Ledbetter in London, KY - April 6, 2023 - The apostle Paul said Christians are to “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God…” Christians have to be “all in” when it comes to our commitment to God and His way of life.

Guests: Tim Matthews and Jonathan Teague   Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution By Carl R. Trueman   Strange New World is an abbreviated edition of Dr. Trueman's longer book titled The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution   In this book, Dr. Trueman is going to examine how a person became a self, the self became sexualized, and sex became politicized.   SUMMARY: how the feelings of an individual have triumphed over the societal institutions (law, church, family, community), how objective truth has been eliminated, and how have we disassociated gender from biology. Chapter 7 The Sexual Revolution of the LGBTQ+   Of more immediate significance to our current situation, however, is the thought of Simone de Beauvoir, the French philosopher whose 1949 book, The Second Sex, is a foundational text for modern feminist theory. She opens the second part of that work with a dramatic and far-reaching statement: One is not born, but rather becomes, woman. No biological, psychic, or economic destiny defines the figure that the human female takes on in society; it is civilization as a whole that elaborates this intermediary product between the male and the eunuch that is called feminine.   DeBeauvoir makes a distinction between biology and what we now call gender. The whole idea of what it is to be a woman is a social construct, something that is not intrinsic to the female body. To use the language of a later gender theorist, Judith Butler, gender is a performance, a set of behaviors that society has come to expect from those who possess a certain kind of body.    The preamble of The Yogyakara Principles: Understanding “sexual orientation” to refer to each person's capacity for profound emotional, affectional and sexual aggraction to, and intimate and sexual relations with, individuals of a different gender or the same gender or more than one gender;  Understanding “gender identity” to refer to each person's deeply felt internal and individual experience of gender, which may or may not correspond with the sex assigned at birth, including the personal sense of the body (which may involved, if freely chosen, modification of bodily appearance or function by medical, surgical or other means) and other expressions of gender, including dress, speech and mannerisms.   Principle 3 Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law. Persons of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities shall enjoy legal capacity in all aspects of life. Each person's self-defined sexual orientation and gender identity is integral ot their personality and is one of the most basic aspects of self-determination, dignity and freedom   In plain terms, this calls for societies to recognize–that is, affirm, support, and protect–whatever subjective sexual identity any individual cares to affirm for themselves.   Chapter 8 Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness   While the speed of the sexual revolution has been shocking to many, perhaps the strangest and most disturbing developments over recent years have been the ways in which freedoms once considered to be self-evident goods - of speech and of religion - are now under pressure in many Western democracies. This is something both unexpected and sinister.   United States v Windsor (2013) - challenge of DOMA - the court saw the objections to gay marriage as being grounded in what is technically termed constitutional animus or, to put the same idea in more colloquial terms, irrational bigotry.   Windsor provided the immediate legal background to Obergefell v Hodges (2015) - legalization of same-sex marriage…   Casey (1992) decision from Justice Kennedy: At the heart of liberty is the right to define one's own concept of existence, of meaning, of the universe, and of the mystery of human life. Beliefs about these matters could not define the attributes of personhood were they formed under compulsion of the State.   For example, when the Christian objects of homosexuality, he may well think he is objecting to a set of sexual desires or sexual practices. But the gay man sees those desires as part of who he is in his very essence.   What Marcuse is calling for here is the censoring of speech as a means of moving society toward a more just and equitable state.   Chapter 9 Strangers in This Strange New World   The era when Christians could disagree with the broader convictions of the secular world and yet still find themselves respected as decent members of society at large is coming to an end.   First, we need to examine ourselves, individually and corporately, to see in what ways we have compromised the gospel with the spirit of this age. Then, we need to repent, call out to the Lord for grace, and seek to reform our beliefs, attitudes, intuitions, and practices accordingly.    Second, an awareness of our complicity should cultivate a level of humility in how we engage with those with whom we disagree on these matters.   Third, to be aware of our complicity at least allows us to engage in the future in appropriate self-criticism and self-policing on such issues.   Justin Martyr - did not spend time denouncing the evils of the emperor - rather, they argued positively that Christians make the best citizens, the best parents, the best servants, the best neighbors, the best employees…   Augustine - The City of God - Christians could and should be good citizens to the extent that their higher commitment to God allowed them to do so.   In short, we can stand strong in this cultural moment and address the specific challenges we face only if our foundations in God's truth are broad and deep.   This means that the chaotic nature of our times is no excuse for abandoning the church's task of teaching her people the whole counsel of God.   The church also needs to recover natural law and a theology of the body.  

In this message, Pastor Caleb discusses the importance of having and keeping a zeal for God.  Without zeal for God Christians become lukewarm and of no use to the kingdom of God.  

In this message, Pastor Caleb discusses the importance of having and keeping a zeal for God.  Without zeal for God Christians become lukewarm and of no use to the kingdom of God.  

Romans 13:1-7

Have you ever been treated like "second best"? Or maybe there is a time in your life that you have felt rejected? In this message, Chance Holt shares how to overcome feelings of rejection and walk in your identity in ChristIf so, you are in good company. We see in scripture where Jesus was rejected, on multiple occasions.Genesis 29:31-35 / Leah just wants to be accepted.What is Rejection?The act of not accepting, believing, or considering something.We have all had a time in our life when we felt not considered?There are multiple ways to respond to rejection. We see them expressed by emotions, but all these emotions start by believing a lie that the enemy is telling you. John 10:10 / the thief's purpose is to steal kill and destroy. Lie #1Jesus doesn't understand, because he didn't experience rejection like me.John 7:5 / for even his brothers didn't believe  in him. Jesus experienced a lot of rejection from family and friends. Lie #2He didn't experience the pain that I do though, because he is JesusHebrews 4:15/ This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testing we do, yet he did not sin. How do we overcome and make it through rejection?1) Pursue a relationship with Healthy ChristiansProverbs 18:24*Here at VFC. It looks like Lifegroups, school of ministry, MT's, Youth Group/children, Young Adults, Sunday mornings and other groupsaround town2) Expect rejectionMatthew 13:57*Jesus made sure that he looked different from the world.Therefore he expected to be rejected. Do you look different?(Don't be a people pleaser, speak the truth with love.)3) Live a life of forgiveness and loveLuke 6:28&29, 314) Base your worth on God's plan and love for you. Ephesians 1:5&6*The thing that got Jesus through this world, was knowing God's love and purpose for him.*The only way for us to not allow lasting results from rejection is by knowing God's love for us.(There is value in your purpose when your purpose is found in God)Christians have the same problems as the world, we just have a better solution. Matthew 27:39-44 / while experiencing some of the worst rejection and pain known to man, hanging on the cross. Jesus performed another miracle.This miracle was for us all. It was the miracle of REDEMPTION. Redeem- to gain or regain possession of (to buy back). The complete opposite of rejection.Matthew 1:1-16 / Our God is so big and mighty that he used a bloodline of a completely rejected and unwanted woman named Leah to bring our savior into this world.Are you believing the lies of the enemy? Or do you find your value through the rejection in God's purpose for you? 

We welcome back Michael Warren Davis of The American Conservative to discuss an article of his outlining the so-called "Augustine Option". What would St. Augustine have to say about our current times, and what is the true meaning of the Common Good? The Augustine Option The Guns of August—Then and Now The Metamorphoses of the City of God - Étienne Gilson The City of God Christians at the End of the Pax Americana: From A Warfare State to A Welfare State Ask Father McTeigue

Today on the Follower of One podcast, Mike Henry sits down with Donna Skell. With a heart for God, people, and business, Donna stays active in the Christian community. She has been part of Roaring Lambs Ministries since its inception in 1980 and came on staff in 2008. Donna is an author, TV/Radio Co-host, and Jewish follower of Christ. She loves to help people effectively tell their stories of what God has done in their life. In this episode, Mike and Donna talk about Roaring Lambs Ministries, her journey to Christ, the purpose of Roaring Lamb Ministries, how Christians are created to fellowship with God, about the Hall of Fame, the importance of sharing your faith with others, incorporating your faith into your life, and the weight of the question “How can I pray for you today?”   Outline of the Episode 0:29 – About Roaring Lambs 1:08 – Donna's journey to Jesus 3:29 – How Donna ended up with Roaring Lamb Ministries 6:33 – The purpose of Roaring Lamb Ministries 8:05 – How Christians are created to fellowship with God 10:00 – About the Hall of Fame 12:35 – The importance of sharing your faith with others 14:23 – How to incorporate your faith into your life 16:07 – Asking people “How can I pray for you today?” 17:06 – Growing up Jewish   The Purpose of Roaring Lamb Ministries Roaring Lamb Ministries was created to engage with Christians outside of the Church walls. Their goal is to empower and activate other Christians to not be afraid to talk about the Gospel when they are not at Church.    How Christians are created to Fellowship with God Christians are created to fellowship with God. Our end goal as Christians is to share the gospel to the ends of the earth. For us to share God, we need to understand him. The way that we get to know Christ is to fellowship with Him.    The weight of the question “How can I pray for you today?” When you go and ask someone “How can I pray for you today?” it opens an opportunity to share Christ. This question also makes the person you are talking to know that you genuinely care about them, and you desire for their wellbeing.    Follow Donna Skell Facebook LinkedIn   Connect With Follower Of One Join us over in our Online Community, get social with us; Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and subscribe to our YouTube channel. Listen to our podcast on your way to work and subscribe using your favorite podcast app!

What does the word "holy" do to your heart and mind when you hear it? Does it conjure up pictures in your mind and emotions that are unpleasant? Or is "holy" a beautiful thing? The God Christians worship is the Only True and living God. He is the high and holy One. Holiness is a high thing, repugnant to man's sinful nature. How can sinful people learn to embrace holiness and love the One who IS holy? Come with the Grace United crew we discover the beauty of, and necessity for, holiness among God's people.

What does the word "holy" do to your heart and mind when you hear it? Does it conjure up pictures in your mind and emotions that are unpleasant? Or is "holy" a beautiful thing? The God Christians worship is the Only True and living God. He is the high and holy One. Holiness is a high thing, repugnant to man's sinful nature. How can sinful people learn to embrace holiness and love the One who IS holy? Come with the Grace United crew we discover the beauty of, and necessity for, holiness among God's people.

Satan uses everything he can to keep Christians from witnessing. He uses our own fears and insecurities, threats from others, whatever he can think of because he knows that the Holy Spirit works powerfully through the word of God Christians share to bring people to repentance and faith. Knowing we have powerful good news to share helps us overcome restraint and share the good news about Jesus.

"Dear Dr. Sala," wrote an eight-year-old friend, "Is Jesus and God a Christian, or don't they have to be one because they're the God?"  Out of the mouths of babes come some of the most profound issues.  Were Jesus and God "Christians" or "don't they have to be one?"  Our eight-year-old friend is doing some serious thinking, and to be honest with you, that's a tough question to answer, but let me see what I can do.  Let's begin by identifying what "God" we are talking about.  Sometimes we use language and assume that everybody understands, when in reality they are talking about something entirely different. 

1 Peter 2 and Romans 13 have some parallelisms. Yet in 1 Peter there's no mention of 1) Taxes, 2) Wrath, 3) governing officials being God's servants, and 4) the discussion of “fear” is in relation to God and not authorities in 1 Peter vs Romans. The American/Western interpretation of Romans 13 (4 myths) From Luther's justification of the prince killing peasants in a revolt to Hitler and the holocaust to the apartheid in Africa, Romans 13 has been used to justify the “divine right of kings” and the goodness of the government. Recently Jeff Sessions used Rom 13 to justify splitting immigrant families up at the border because the government has the right to because it was ordained by God. #1- Everyone should “obey” the government #2- God chooses government leaders #3- God approves of the government's use of violence (bearing the sword) #4- Christians can/should work in government An Alternative Examination of Romans 13 The Context of Romans A Deuteronomy 32 Worldview Submit to Governing Authorities Ordained by God Bear the sword and avengers of wrath Authorities are God's servants and Ministers of God Taxes 3 Options of interpretation Western view Paul is telling everyone to “obey” government God chooses even the leaders God approves of Government's use of the sword (war and capital punishment) Since this is all approved and God ordained, it is a good thing for even Christians to work in government and military Anti-Imperial view Romans 12 is about the Christian, Romans 13 is about the hardest enemy to love- the state, because it is anti-Kingdom of God (the Greek voice changes between these chapters) God allows the system government to keep peace and justice until Jesus returns, but it is ultimately a rejection of God Christians should not revolt or take revenge but leave that to God, zealotry and patriotism go against the Romans 12/Sermon on the Mount way of life. This leads to the fact that Christians should not work in Government. “The sword” is about local civil justice (policing) Evil nations were used for God's purposes in the OT and this explains the “servants” and “ministers” of God verses. It doesn't mean that God approved of them. God uses Assyria to punish Israel but then God condemned them for the excessive violence. Need to keep “Wrath” in its context in Romans (God handing people over to the consequences of that they chose). Taxes are given but not owed- Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and God what is God's. The only debt owed is love (Rom 13:8). Neighborhood view Based on historical findings and the literary context of the weak and the strong, it seems like Paul is talking about interpersonal relationships in the local neighborhood. Rome was divided up into neighborhoods with an “authority” appointed (like an HOA manager). The authorities were in charge of keeping order. These people were not necessarily “government officials” but they did manage the neighborhood for Caesar and the state. Christians may have been tempted to not pay the “dues” (not a tax) due to how the money might be used (upkeep of altars, pagan festivals, etc). Paul's concern is that they should still pay them but what is “owed” is love alone. This fits with the context of Romans 12 which is all about how to live and love as a living sacrifice. Similar to 1 Peter 2 this behavior may lead to the winning over of their pagan neighbors.

"Dear Dr. Sala," wrote an eight-year-old friend, "Is Jesus and God a Christian, or don't they have to be one because they're the God?"  Out of the mouths of babes come some of the most profound issues.  Were Jesus and God "Christians" or "don't they have to be one?"  Our eight-year-old friend is doing some serious thinking, and to be honest with you, that's a tough question to answer, but let me see what I can do.  Let's begin by identifying what "God" we are talking about.  Sometimes we use language and assume that everybody understands, when in reality they are talking about something entirely different. 

I am sharing these two posts from the blog I felt led to create called Types of Christians. You can access 100's of these posts from this blog on https://TypesOfChristians.blogspot.com/ Since these posts are examples of how I apply particular Bible passages to my personal life, they may not reflect the total meaning of the Bible passage. They are shared as examples, so people might realize that the Bible is still relevant in our lives today! Please share this podcast and blog link with those who might benefit. Thanks! Debbie

In 1521, Martin Luther was summoned to stand before the Emperor at the Diet of Worms. As he prepared to go there, Luther looked to Daniel 3 and the God who saved the three Israelite men from a tyrant there to draw strength for himself. The same God who delivered them was the same God he served in 1521... and the same God Christians serve today in 2021.

In 1521, Martin Luther was summoned to stand before the Emperor at the Diet of Worms. As he prepared to go there, Luther looked to Daniel 3 and the God who saved the three Israelite men from a tyrant there to draw strength for himself. The same God who delivered them was the same God he served in 1521... and the same God Christians serve today in 2021.

Lauren shares how Jesus has been close to her in all aspects of her life–even in the most painful moments. I don't believe for a second that God desired for her to experience such deep loss and pain, but I LOVE how she shares how even in the ashes, there is beauty when walking with Jesus! My Thoughts as I Listened Back: Hey yall! I was surprised tonight when I had my zoom call with Lauren to record this episode. She and I go way back. We became dear friends in high school, but haven't seen each other in person for a few years. When she logged onto the zoom chat and I saw her I started crying! Ha! I don't know if I was tired, or if that is just a sweet reminder of how even though time often passes too quickly between seeing our friends and family, it can never diminish how significant they are to our lives! Anyways, I really loved listening to her share. She is truly one of the wisest, most intelligent and thoughtful humans I have ever met. Listening to her story was definitely encouraging to my soul! I definitely connect with her when she shared about her identity in Jesus getting its initial roots thanks to her family. Our family's faith and culture opened the door for us to witness Christianity in daily life, but just like Lauren, I too had to have a long season of trial/testing the waters/questioning and observing to decide for myself. That's one of the coolest characteristics of God—Christians believe, I believe, with my full heart, that He is living and moving among us. He is God Almighty/All Powerful, yet cares about each of our individual stories and moments throughout the day. He is both everywhere and specifically somewhere simultaneously. So when Lauren talks about having firsthand experiences of attempting to trust Jesus and then finding that He follows through—she is literally saying that He provided specifically for her in those moments! So amazing! Chris and I have seen the same—an unexpected check comes in the mail right when we need that exact amount of money, a friend messages or calls right at the exact moment and has the perfect words to share to calm my spirit, food parcels left outside the door unexpectedly, being healed of physical illness/pain instantly or sometimes just much faster than anticipated….the list could go on—sometimes of tiny, easily overlooked gifts and sometimes huge, unquestionable provision—I believe is all from Him. So like Lauren, I can't seem to shake off all that I have seen, felt and been given—so these experiences have banked in my heart faith in Jesus that is now beyond just what my parent's believe—to more of a personal connection, firsthand experience faith. My faith however, just like every other Christian's you will meet, is totally imperfect. I have days when I have emotional overloads, crazy feelings of confusion and doubt, loneliness, sadness, feeling just yuck, horrible. I'm so thankful she reminded me that Jesus never once asks us to “measure up” and live a perfect life. He has already done that for me! Praise God! Jesus literally goes around saying “come to me all you who are weary and heavy-burdened and I will give you rest.” The Bible also says that God “works all things out for the good of those who love Him.” He is for us, loves us, protects, and provides for us without us offering anything but brokenness, stubbornness, doubts, and down-right arrogance in return. Blows my mind. Seems too good to be true, but deep down in my soul somewhere I know that it is true. ...Continued in blog....

This week we bring in Nick's father, Larry Griffin, to speak on the daring escape Joseph and Mary and little Jesus made to Egypt. Listen as he discusses the type of God Christians serve and what reasons we have for believing he is a good God. Thank you as always for listening! Passage: Matthew 2:13-23

In the Parable of the Talents, a master gives talents (money) to three servants to manage until he returns from a journey. The master in the parable is Jesus and we are the servants given our talents (gifts) by Him. Pastor James asks, “What will you do with your talents–your faith and the Gospel entrusted to you by God?” Christians are challenged to use our talents productively in God’s service so that when He returns we will hear those wonderful words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

The first Sunday in November has been designated as International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Christians (IDOP) since 1996. In America, we are blessed to have so many freedoms. We aren't comfortable with the thought or idea of persecution, and we may even think we are immune to it here in America. However, as Christians we must be grounded in the fact found in the Word of God: Christians will be persecuted. Countless, untold numbers of our brothers and sister throughout the world face this reality every day.Join Pastor John White, and The Village Church of Byron, for this message focusing on how to pray for persecuted Christians.Visit The Village Church of Byron and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.You can send mail to: P.O. Box 327, Byron, MI 48418Founded in September of 2017, The Village Church of Byron is unapologetically devoted to the preaching and teaching of the Word of God. Through this podcast, we are asking God to use us in the hearts and lives of people throughout the world.If we can ever help you or answer any questions, please contact us at info@thevillagemi.com.

In the first reading (post published Oct 2, 2020) Dr. Ehrman explains his difficulty with those who give God as the answer to things we haven't yet been able to explain. In the second reading (post published Oct 7, 2012) Dr Ehrman shares Fronto's, tutor of emperor Marcus Aurelius, disparaging remarks about mid-second century Christians. Join the blog at https://ehrmanblog.org/ and read up to 6 new posts each week and every post in the archives. Your entire minimal cost of membership goes to charity. https://ehrmanblog.org/why-believe-in-god/ https://ehrmanblog.org/christians-charged-as-perverts-and-criminals-for-members/

God, Christians, & Civil Government - Acts 5:29

Special guest Daniel Hage shares her tried and true nuggets on how to Improve Your Sex Life Overnight!- How Important is it for a woman to have an organism every time she has Sex?- How did you learn about orgasms (There were no books, in formative years you had to learn from friends, parents didn’t talk about it)?- Discussion about Foreplay- What does God say about sex- it is a Gift from God-Christians have questions- Discussion about Oral Sex-first encounter. How does testosterone affect the way men think. Figuring out what a Blowjob is. - Oral Sex tabu in the Black community- Do you teach your children how to please a man/woman sexually? - Discussion about Pornography - (Not a real way to learn. Google search has great books)- Marriage bed is undefiled, biblically - Can a marriage be a thriving marriage if one of the partner's sexual needs is not met- Some people schedule sex - How many times a week is the right amount?- Sex Drives if a woman wants it more, how she woo the man?- Discussion about sexual phases- Testosterone and the importance of checking your levels- Changes to Sex drive - What ups a mans testosterone level- Foreplay - Being loving and kind before you get in bed - Know your/and your partners Love Language - Keep doing the romantic things you were doing while dating- Oxytocin levels- How To Meet the woman’s needs- Communicate about what each other likes in the bedroom. - Talk about it over dinner....that is foreplay - Men, If you want a woman to open up to you more sexually make a woman feel safe- Men, cherish your women - Women have to know that men are always hungry for sex (They need sex more than women do)

Imitate means – “follow as a model, copy, simulate”. From the Latin it literally means to “copy an image”. How can we ever hope to imitate God? Christians imitate God like the moon imitates the sun. They don’t have any light of their own, they get their light from the Son. When light is seen in them, it’s the reflection of the light coming from God in Christ. As Christians, our desire is to be the clearest reflection of Him as possible. We know who God is by looking at Jesus: “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature..." [Heb. 1:3]. Christians reflect God’s character more as we put on Christ more. Christians imitate God because He has adopted them as His beloved children! Ephesians 5:1 is the result of Ephesians 1:5. As God’s people, Christians should be known for reflecting the character traits of their Father. We reflect Him in how we speak to others, how we exercise self-control, how we control our tongue, how we show kindness, and how we forgive. When talking about the love of Jesus, Paul points to the cross. Loving like Christ involves giving ourselves away for the good of another. As we walk in love, we sacrifice for others as a spiritual act of worship [Phil. 4:18]. As we understand Christ’s love for us better and better, we will love others better and better. May our lives be marked by “walking in love”.

Imitate means – “follow as a model, copy, simulate”. From the Latin it literally means to “copy an image”. How can we ever hope to imitate God? Christians imitate God like the moon imitates the sun. They don’t have any light of their own, they get their light from the Son. When light is seen in them, it’s the reflection of the light coming from God in Christ. As Christians, our desire is to be the clearest reflection of Him as possible. We know who God is by looking at Jesus: “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature..." [Heb. 1:3]. Christians reflect God’s character more as we put on Christ more. Christians imitate God because He has adopted them as His beloved children! Ephesians 5:1 is the result of Ephesians 1:5. As God’s people, Christians should be known for reflecting the character traits of their Father. We reflect Him in how we speak to others, how we exercise self-control, how we control our tongue, how we show kindness, and how we forgive. When talking about the love of Jesus, Paul points to the cross. Loving like Christ involves giving ourselves away for the good of another. As we walk in love, we sacrifice for others as a spiritual act of worship [Phil. 4:18]. As we understand Christ’s love for us better and better, we will love others better and better. May our lives be marked by “walking in love”.

Jesus is the perfect gift, but many people won’t receive Him or will return Him. Key Verse: John 1:10 – 11: “He came into the very world He created, but the world didn’t recognize Him. He came to His own people, and even they rejected Him.” Key points… •People reject Jesus because they are offended by His message. •People reject Jesus because receiving Him means rejecting someone else. •People reject Jesus because they don’t like the children of God (Christians). •People reject Jesus because He isn’t the kind of Messiah they were expecting.Support the show (https://centralnow.com/give/)

Reports chosen for this week. Trump impeachment big news (sarcasm). 5G technology is warned as a killer. Someone heard the Pope say Jesus is not God. The Pope sends scourging on Christians.Sources:https://needtoknow.news/2019/11/warning-the-truth-may-shock-you-5g-is-military-grade-technology-was-created-for-use-as-a-weapon-and-surveillance/?fbclid=IwAR3xg3M5J9oNmUm54uo-7usNn8lxpVD94iZ16IFRG90sDpAOxj9u-PjkSOMhttps://www.patheos.com/blogs/thefreethinker/2019/10/pope-tells-atheist-jesus-was-not-a-god-at-all-outrage-ensues/http://endoftheamericandream.com/archives/pope-francis-declares-that-christian-fundamentalists-are-a-scourge

Reports chosen for this week. Trump impeachment big news (sarcasm). 5G technology is warned as a killer. Someone heard the Pope say Jesus is not God. The Pope sends scourging on Christians.Sources:https://needtoknow.news/2019/11/warning-the-truth-may-shock-you-5g-is-military-grade-technology-was-created-for-use-as-a-weapon-and-surveillance/?fbclid=IwAR3xg3M5J9oNmUm54uo-7usNn8lxpVD94iZ16IFRG90sDpAOxj9u-PjkSOMhttps://www.patheos.com/blogs/thefreethinker/2019/10/pope-tells-atheist-jesus-was-not-a-god-at-all-outrage-ensues/http://endoftheamericandream.com/archives/pope-francis-declares-that-christian-fundamentalists-are-a-scourge

The first Sunday in November has been designated as International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) since 1996. In America, we are blessed to have so many freedoms. We aren't comfortable with the thought or idea of persecution, and w may event think we are immune to it here in America. However, as Christians we must be grounded in the fact found in the Word of God: Christians will be persecuted. Countless, untold numbers of our brothers and sister throughout the world face this reality every day.Join Pastor John White, and The Village Church of Byron, for this message focused on and calling us to remember in prayer, the persecuted church throughout the world.Visit The Village Church of Byron and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.You can send mail to: P.O. Box 327, Byron, MI 48418Founded in September of 2017, The Village Church of Byron is unapologetically devoted to the preaching and teaching of the Word of God. Through this podcast, we are asking God to use us in the hearts and lives of people throughout the world.If we can ever help you or answer any questions, please contact us at info@thevillagemi.com.

What do we do about the suffering created by moral and natural evil? If there is a God, and if that God is good, why does he permit moral evil? And why does he allow nature to wreak havoc? Don’t these disprove God, or at least the goodness of God? Christians have traditionally adopted three responses to make sense of all of this evil and the suffering it causes. Our questions about suffering may be addressed through 1) the free-will defense, 2) the natural-law defense, and 3) the soul-making defense.

Many people want to find God.   There are many books on the subject which promise to put you on the path to find Him.  Most of religions of the world make the claim to make you one of His own.1  However, there are some people who want to find God without religion. They might say (and many do), “I’m spiritual, not religious.” They might not want to follow anyone’s guidance or rules.  Or, as happens frequently, they have been hurt by a faith community in the past and want to now avoid it entirely. So is it possible?  Can you find God without religion?  In order to answer this question, let’s first look at who God is as well as the definition of religion. Who Is God? We have always believed in something other: a Creator God, a pantheon, even the desired end of “nothingness” in Buddhism is logically something beyond what we know.  We have a sense of right, a belief that there is an absolute truth and order . . . a law . . . and by extension a Lawgiver.  In order for there to be an absolute rightness and absolute justice, there must be One who is absolutely righteous, absolutely just, a perfect Being. Those Thomas Aquinas referred to as “virtuous pagans,” such as Plato’s Socrates and Aristotle, explored this concept long before the Christian church.  Plato’s perfect forms were beyond matter and beyond space, the ultimate reality, and Aristotle believed in a perfect self-consciousness with a separate essence from the created world.  But it was Anselm in the Middle Ages who set about to clarify and distinguish the God Christians worshiped from the pantheons surrounding them through the nature and quality of His Being. Anslem’s reasoning, which became known as the “ontological argument,” is that God is the maximally great being.  He is the greatest thing that we can conceive of, beyond all other things.  The second part of his argument for God is that as actual things are greater than our ideas of the thing, that if we can conceive of a maximally great being then there must be such a being because if He was not actual . . . then we would be able to conceive of something greater. This is a simplified form of his argument, and as an argument for the existence of God, I know this sounds a little circular . . . Philosophers love to debate it. However, for the purpose of this discussion, I just want to point out what we mean by God: He is the Greatest Thing, being absolutely perfect, all knowing, all powerful, absolutely just, and outside of space and time.  That is God. If the thing you are searching for is something other than that . . . that isn’t God. How Should We Respond to God?

  Sermon by Rev. James Taiwo The church has lost its first love. Why and where have we fallen? Cares of the world (They initially appear okay but quickly degenerate into spiritual pitfalls) Competition Thirst for wealth People are afraid of persecution, peer pressure, and fear of unknown. Meanwhile, God withdraws his hands when people fail under whatever circumstance. "You have left your first love" (Revelation 2:1-4). “Why… because you have not kept sabbath day holy” (Isaiah 58:3-6). “The hands of the Lord is not too short to save” (Isaiah 59:1-2). “The eyes of the Lord move to and fro the earth so show himself strong on behalves of people that serve him” (2 Chronicles 16:9). Don't blame others: We Are All Causes Of Christian Failures! Parents Children Church Church leadership What Have We Promoted? Technological gadget vs Bible Cartoon Network vs Christian Education Fairy tales vs Bible stories Secular songs vs Memory verses How can we go back to God? Christians must have discipline. Cut out the unnecessary stuff, and Set our priority right For example, The parents can make their home a micro church and promote Singing Christian songs Family bible discussion Family prayer Make children play games with the Bible characters Show note is available at bit.ly/christian-faith Subscribe to this podcast here. Learn more at www.jamestaiwo.com/podcast/ Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes and other outlets (& rate us). SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER  By subscribing I accept the privacy rules of this site

Many people have walked away from faith and religion, but may have done so for the wrong reason. What if the God you walked away from is in fact no the God Christians believe in either?

Many people have walked away from faith and religion, but may have done so for the wrong reason. What if the God you walked away from is in fact no the God Christians believe in either?

Many people have walked away from faith and religion, but may have done so for the wrong reason. What if the God you walked away from is in fact no the God Christians believe in either?

Phee shares God's word for those who struggle with same sex attraction and challenges Christians to do a better job of extending friendship them.

Phee shares God's word for those who struggle with same sex attraction and challenges Christians to do a better job of extending friendship them.

2011-02-06-0830 Pastor Loran Livingston is the speaker this morning February 6th, 2011 in the 8:30 service. Scripture: Luke 8:12-15; Hebrews 2:1; 3:7-14 Topic: Faithfullness Notes: - Parable of the Sowers: everyone fits one of the scenarios- Protect your heart; it is your connection to God- In Hebrews, Jewish believers were reverting back to Judaism- Being a Christian is tough, warfare- Believe , confess, repent, turn away and live for Jesus; give earnest heed- Sin deceives the young... American Idol... everyone wants to be discovered... a trick from hell to destroy them- Sin deceives the old... feel too experienced to fall. You are never out of danger- Satan caused Eve to doubt what God said; don’t misunderstand God- Christians in adultery, homosexuality... think that what God meant is not the same as what they’re doing; loving money is idolatry; we deny unforgiveness- You can be living in sin and think it’s everybody but you- If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me

2011-02-06-1030 Pastor Loran Livingston is the speaker this morning February 6th, 2011 in the 10:30 service. Scripture: Luke 8:12-15; Hebrews 2:1; 3:7-14 Topic: Faithfullness Notes: - Parable of the Sowers: everyone fits one of the scenarios- Protect your heart; it is your connection to God- In Hebrews, Jewish believers were reverting back to Judaism- Being a Christian is tough, warfare- Believe , confess, repent, turn away and live for Jesus; give earnest heed- Sin deceives the young... American Idol... everyone wants to be discovered... a trick from hell to destroy them- Sin deceives the old... feel too experienced to fall. You are never out of danger- Satan caused Eve to doubt what God said; don’t misunderstand God- Christians in adultery, homosexuality... think that what God meant is not the same as what they’re doing; loving money is idolatry; we deny unforgiveness- You can be living in sin and think it’s everybody but you- If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me